Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Has your uPVC window or door mechanism deteriorated? Maybe the window or door handles aren't aligned properly or are difficult to use.
It's important that your double glazed doors function smoothly, or else you'll lose energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to fix your door lock at an affordable price.
Snapped Key
It can be frustrating when a key snaps into a lock. It also poses a security risk since the door may not lock and make you vulnerable to intruders. There are a couple of quick fixes you can make to fix the problem and make your door work again.
Be sure to remain calm. If you get scared and start doing a lot of fumbling around, you might just end up pushing the damaged piece of the key deeper into the lock, making the situation even more difficult.
Then spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also make use of a screwdriver to break pieces that could be hindering the flow. If you happen to have a little bit of the key that is visible it, you can use a paperclip or some other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and pull it out. Both methods are effective, but you need to be careful not to push the broken key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades also work well for this. If you don't happen to have any of these items then you can bend a hook with needle-nosed pliers. Also, a pair tweezers can be used to grasp and pull out the last bit of the broken key.
If you are unable remove the broken key piece, use a lock deicer. It is available in most hardware stores and works by freezing any moisture present within the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it may be time to consult a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix issues such as broken handles and broken keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure double glazing door mechanisms so that they are easier to use. You can request a double-glazing repair online or call us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can be a major security risk. It's fortunately a simple repair for an expert locksmith to complete. To fix the cylinder, a locksmith will need to tap it. They can do this with the hammer or any other tool, but the most efficient method is to use a long match or a piece of wire. Then, position the end of the match or wire close to the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock in order to break it. This is far better than using a heavy hammer that could cause damage to the lock.
Overheating is the most common reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can occur when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made of various metals, like cast iron and aluminium. Different metals can be heated and cool at different rates. This could cause localized hotspots to expand quicker than the rest of the cylinder.
Another reason that could cause cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained correctly they could corrosion or rust, which can cause them to expand faster than anticipated. This can cause cracks as time passes.
If your uPVC window or door lock is rigid and requires a lot more pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety of reasons. This can be caused by a faulty locking mechanism, or misalignment or a worn-out handle.
It is a quick and inexpensive fix that most homeowners with double glazing can perform. A professional locksmith will typically be able to resolve this problem within an hour of arriving at your home. Depending on your needs, they can replace the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, and also change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will be able to inform you on the most cost-effective solutions for your home. They may suggest upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders that offer an additional layer of protection against burglars. It's a small price to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks are complex mechanisms that become less effective with time and usage, so it's no surprise that they can break. If double glazing window repairs breaks it may be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue. Make sure you fix it properly.
Fixing the broken handle, regardless of whether it's the internal locking mechanism or latch can increase the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. If you do not repair or replace your handle can be very costly and may cause damage to the door's frame and lock It is therefore worth taking the time to do it right.
Screwdriver When the window is open remove the screw that holds the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the back plate, normally hidden by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. You should not lose any internal parts of the handle such as the plates and levers on either side. Ideally, keep them in the same place so you can re-install them when needed.
Then, using another screwdriver loosen the screw that connects the handle with the spindle on the back. Once this is removed, you should be capable of pulling the handle off and take off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, making sure it's the same size as the old one (you will typically find them online or in hardware stores) and screw it securely in the right place. Do not overtighten the screw as this can cause damage to the handle and window frame.
Close the handle and try it. It should work smoothly and you'll be able to open your windows after a few times.
Make sure to check that your uPVC window is shut correctly when you're working with the handle. If they're not, you could experience damp and draughts inside your home as in addition to compromising the energy efficiency of your home. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can adjust the hinges of the window frames to ensure that they shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is often the case that the spindle inside a handle breaks rather than the handle itself. This is especially frequent in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as an locking device within the window frame. The handle is attached a central rod that activates a series of cams with a mushroom shape that lock into the window frame keep. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned, it is possible that the spindle has broken This can be a frustrating problem.
There are solutions to this problem. A skilled locksmith can quickly and effectively fix the issue. A reputable locksmith can disassemble the window's handle using a tool to remove the wheel from the area that houses the spindle. This can be done without causing any damage to the handle or causing any other damage to the frame of the window.
Once the wheel is removed, the technician will examine the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle, and then examining each component, noting any wear or damage. This procedure is typically carried out by technicians in a clean environment.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle, this will remove any debris or dirt that might be hindering its normal operation. After that, the spindle can be repaired or replaced. If it is being replaced the technician can take a dowel of a similar size to the original and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle will fit perfectly with the handle.
If the spindle that is damaged is beyond repair, it may be necessary to replace it entirely. Home centres sell generic substitutes but if the window style is rare you'll need to contact an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can recreate the exact component. Once the new spindle is
